I spent last weekend in Traverse City Michigan (it's in upper lower peninsula for those not familiar with the area). The reason that we went up there was for my husband's cousins wedding. She asked me to take some pictures for her after the "paid" photographer left (yeah...that's a weird one...but we'll let that one go for now.) Anyway, I took pictures on my digital camera, medium format, 35 mm, and I gave my APS to my MIL since she forgot her camera (I brought it because I thought somebody would forget theirs...she returned it to me after taking up the roll....with roll still intact for me to develop...but we'll let that one go for now, too...) Anyway, here is one of the many pictures that I took (I was playing with this one, so I am using it as an example):

Wedding at Chateau Chantel (say that through your nose so you sound like a snob)

Anyway, after I got back, I took my rolls of film in to be developed at a local chain of photography stores that specialize in higher end cameras and film. (This is where the "snob" part comes in). Well, I'm a sweatshirt and jeans kinda' girl, so I probably don't look like I should be in the store...which may be why this whole thing happened. So, I walk up to the counter, and the girl behind the counter says: "can I HELP you???" (You must also say that through your nose,also). I said: "I have these rolls of film to develop." She asks my name and telephone number and scribbles it on all the pouches. She then takes the 35 mm and stuffs them into their pouches. She says: "I *assume* that you want that matte?" (remember, talk through your nose). I say (through my nose): "Well, of course!". Then, this is where the snobbishness (is that a word?) really starts....

She picks up the APS roll. Looks at the APS roll and sighs. Says: "You actually use this?" I say: "I want doubles in matte." She sighs again and stuffs it in its pouch.

Now...the medium format. For those who don't know what medium format is- it's a really big film size that is usually used by professionals or jerks like me who pretend to know what they are doing. It usually requires a very expensive camera (this store is where I got mine) to use the film (an average medium format body and lens will run around $2500.) There are different dimensions that different cameras will shoot. The most common (which I have) is a 645 (which is 6 x 4.5 cm). A lot of older cameras (and a few newer ones) shoot 66 square. And some high end ones shoot 7x6 (I think) format...but I have never used one. So, I hand her the medium format and say: "I would like a set of matte proofs for this." (This is a snob way of saying that you want a single copy of them). She says: "what kind of camera is this shot on?" I didn't get what she was asking, so I raised an eyebrow at her. She then said more slowly and louder (as that would help): "What Kind Of Camera IS This Shot ON??" I said: "Do you mean what ratio? It's a 645. Isn't that what most people shoot on?" She said: "Yes, but I thought that you were probably using an old camera." (Oh...now that was a snob thing to say...ouch). So, she checks the "matte proofs" box on the pouch and shoves the film in. As I walked away, I had two thoughts: 1) why didn't she just ask: "is this 645?" and 2) why the hell did it matter? She just marked the "proofs" box anyway. I then labeled her a "photography snob" and decided to avoid her in the future. I may even have to add her to my "photography snob" voodoo doll collection.

I have met many photography snobs. Many work at the places that I buy cameras, film, and other crap from. They seem to act like they are photography gods because they have read the labels before you have a chance to. They also like to give their opinions at will, and when confronted with: "Is this what you use?" have a tendency to run away.

At least my digital camera doesn't require encountering the film developer snob since I can just upload and print those myself on my trusty Dell with Epson printer. (oh, how I would love a thermal printer............oops..I'm back from my thermal printer dream now.) The other beauty of digital is that you can adjust it before printing even one copy. You can crop, take out bad spots, clear up people's complexions, or as shown in the above photo, remove an ugly photo on a piano with one of your own

In short: I'm a jerk with about $5,000 worth of cameras, and I still can't deal with the store's photo snobs. And, I'm starting to really like my digital camera. (Now, all I need is a professional grade digital and a thermal printer).........ahh...sweet, sweet dreams of photography bliss....... As an update, the "snobs" lost the negs for my 120 film.....they are still looking for it. Photography snobs get a no coffee cup rating (no coffee for you!)